Characterization and Conceptualization of a Relict Karst Aquifer (Bilecik, Turkey)

Abstract

The carbonate rocks in Turkey have diferent hydrogeological properties as a result of controlling karstifcation factors, such as lithostratigraphy, source of energy gradient, tectonic activity, type of erosion base, fuctuation in sea level, and climate change in their extended areas. Tis study was undertaken for the characterization and conceptualization of the hydrogeolog-ical behavior of a unique example of the dissected relict karst aquifer, which is known as the Harmanköy-Beyyayla Karst System (HBKS) in Central Turkey. In order to obtain the conceptualization of the HBKS, properties of recharge, fow, storage, and discharge was analyzed. Te contribution of allogenic-point recharge to the Beyyayla and Döşkaya aquifers occurs from the Beyyayla and Tozman sinkhole with approximately 85% of total recharge. Te rest of the recharge takes place as autogenic-difuse/point type from the limestone rock-mass. Te recharge on the Nardi{dotless}n aquifer originates from direct precipitation onto the limestone area mainly as autogenic-difuse and, to lesser extent, as autogenic-point. Groundwater fow occurs as conduit fow at the Beyyayla and Döşkaya aquifers and as dispersed fow at the Nardi{dotless}n aquifer. Te evaluation of all parameters shows that the HBKS can be divided into three distinct sub-catchments, namely, the Beyyayla, Döşkaya, and Nardi{dotless}n, while it has two diferent hydrogeological system so Beyyayla and Döşkaya have similar characteristics.